undeterrable | IC Contact for eachdraidh

[The armor disappears with a flash of light in the same way it came, leaving Riku standing in his normal clothes once more. It's hard to hide how pleased he is with this new development, but Terra's words make him consider.]

That sounds a lot like the coats the Organization wore. They protected you from the darkness while moving between worlds.

[It's a little different--he was traveling through Corridors of Darkness rather than the Lanes Between--but it's the same idea.]

At any rate, it's even better than I originally thought. [He smiles.] Thanks for letting me know.

[In a way, he's pleased for Riku but at the same time sorely missing his own armour. It's a good thing he drew up a reference for the castle blacksmith when he received that money from Faolan for a commission as thanks for doing that investigation for him. It meant that he could have replacement armour almost exactly the same before he requested the full lot back from Solais.

Riku mentions the Organization and his lips purse together, thinking of Xion. He couldn't help but wonder how you could move easily through Darkness like that, even when he was learning shadow travel from Nico. He inclines his head at the thanks, though, smiling a little.]

I want you to be as protected as possible in this upcoming war. If I can't convince you to stay back I might as well make sure you're prepared.

[There's a flash of surprise that crosses Riku's face when Terra mentions keeping him out of the upcoming battles--as if he'd ever stay back and not fight! But it settles quickly into a look of resignation; he understands where Terra's coming from, but there's no way.]

Don't worry about me. The whole reason I left the islands was to find the strength to protect people. If I can't do that...

[If he can't do that, then why does he have the Keyblade at all?]

Lancelot told me that each shardbearer is equal to thirty natives. I can't stay back when they're all fighting too.

I know. That doesn't mean I can't wish to spare you from this.

[Riku has faced things he doesn't know about. He realizes that. The boy has been to other worlds just like he has, and while he trusts that he can look after himself and Sora, he just wants to make sure that they know what they're getting themselves into.

He'll save the news that Aqua's gone for another time, he thinks. Riku deserves to be able to practice with his armor without the thought hanging over his head. He smiles softly.]

That's what older brothers do. What mentors are supposed to do.

[Though his expression doesn't change, internally Riku stops short, Terra's words striking home.

That's what older brothers do?

Is that what they are? Brothers?

There's an answering surge of warmth in his heart, a feeling so strong that it feels like his heart is actually expanding in response to Terra's words. Brothers.

He'd be okay with having an older brother like Terra.]

Heh...

[A smile pulls at the corner of his lips.]

I guess so. But it'll turn out all right. You'll see.

[Truthfully he didn't realize the slip until he takes notice of the way Riku stops, and for a moment he waits for rejection. He spent ten years somewhere, leaving Riku to Xehanort, surely there'd be some kind of rejection of sorts.

But there's not, and he lets his own smile curve. Having another little brother isn't such a bad thing.]

Maybe.

[He's expecting this battle to be worse than what he's heard the one the month before their arrival was like. Things are heating up in any case, which reminds him that he should tell Riku.]

Hey...I'll be in Leathann for the first part of the next month. [He purses his lips together.] The Void's getting closer, and I promised I'd help out when the time came.

Leathann?

[He knows that the Void's been encroaching... but what can they do against it? It isn't like fighting the darkness, where there's something tangible for them to fight against. Nor are they really supposed to be fighting against it, if they're working toward the Seelie goals.

It's still the source of a lot of conflict in Riku's heart, that's for sure.]

"When the time came?" Terra, what do you...?

[What are they planning?]

[He places a finger to his lips, indicating it shouldn't be discussed over the network, but he's willing to tell Riku if the younger boy decides to meet him before he leaves. He doesn't fully know the extent of Gilgamesh's plans, but he doesn't want to preemptively destroy those plans if Solais is watching.]

I said I'd help evacuate. [Not entirely a lie, but something to tell him there's more to it, and his lips purse together.] I don't want to see anyone else orphaned.

[A nod. The lockets are watched, he knows.]

That's a good idea. Too many people have already been hurt by all this.

Can we meet in person sometime before you leave? I've got something for you.

[If he couldn't back the Seelie ideals, he could make it so that people were safe. He didn't like either court's methods of embracing the world's end, but it was something he could do to help.]

Sure. I'll be here a few more days.

IC Contact for eachdraidh

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